Manchester United’s season continues to jump from one controversy to another, with the fallout from Lisandro Martinez’s explosive interview following the Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid the latest distraction for Michael Carrick.
The Argentine defender publicly criticised the club’s leadership following the 2-0 loss, raising questions over United’s recruitment and the backing given to the manager.
Fabrizio Romano has now revealed that Martinez has held talks with the club’s hierarchy and apologised for his comments, with the matter now considered “closed” following an internal fine.
“To give you more information, Man Utd have fined the Argentine defender,” Romano explained.
“According to the information available tonight, Lisandro Martinez has been fined. We will follow the situation closely over the next few days, but he is expected to be available against Leeds United. He is expected to return to the squad as normal, without being suspended internally by Man Utd.
“The fine is considered to be the punishment for Licha. The internal discussion also helped to resolve all the issues.”
Martinez is therefore expected to be available for United’s upcoming clash with Leeds, but he is not the only player to have found himself at odds with the club’s leadership this year.
The Red Devils are also facing a battle to retain teenage sensation JJ Gabriel, whose future has become the subject of intense speculation amid interest from Real Madrid.
Romano revealed earlier this week that there was a 95 per cent chance of Gabriel leaving Old Trafford, suggesting United had just a five per cent prospect of keeping their highly-rated academy graduate.
However, former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness has now offered a considerably more optimistic assessment following the latest developments.
JJ Gabriel could stay at Man Utd amid legal battle
Speaking to Football Insider, Wyness suggested United’s chances of retaining Gabriel are significantly higher than Romano’s previous estimate, although he still believes a move to Real Madrid is the most likely outcome.
Football FanCast previously revealed United’s plans to consider legal action, following agent interference before the age players are allowed to be officially represented, and Wyness, who is experienced in Premier League boardrooms, has reacted to that development.
“I think it’s about a 30 per cent chance of him staying put and 70 per cent going to Real Madrid. I think it’s that far in their favour.
“I think too much has been said and too much has gone under the bridge. Man United either didn’t act appropriately; probably last year was the time to do it. They obviously haven’t made the window for his success, his match plan and his pathway very clear to him.
“Or at least if they have, and it’s not been satisfactory for the father. Now we know it’s difficult, and we discussed before that parents can be very, very hard.
“I’ve had very bad experiences with pushy parents who think they know everything, but they don’t really because they haven’t had the experience of handling it.
“I’ve had countless young players come through, and I’ve seen each of them develop in different ways. United are now talking about going legal. I mean, that’s ridiculous, and I think it would be the wrong way to go.”
The possibility of legal action adds another complication to an increasingly difficult situation for United, who will be desperate to avoid losing one of their brightest prospects to Real Madrid.
Source: www.footballfancast.com
